So you’ve been thinking about mounting your TV.
But you have so many unanswered questions like:
“Is it even possible to mount my TV model?”
“What if it falls off?”
“Should I just leave it in a stand?”
Well, my friend…
I’d be glad to answer all of those and more.
Continue reading to find out:
- 3 pros and 3 cons of wall mounting a TV.
- Whether you can actually wall mount all TV types.
- 5 things to consider before mounting your TV on a wall.
- And a lot more…
Can all TVs be mounted on a wall?
Not all TVs can be mounted on a wall. Older models like the cathode-ray tube TVs are too heavy for that. But you should be able to mount modern flat-panel TVs. Mainly because they’re lightweight. And they have built-in screw holes in them. Just ensure that your wall’s capable of supporting a TV.
How do I know if my wall mount will hold my TV?
You’ll know if your wall mount will hold your TV by finding out your TV’s weight. And then verifying the wall mount’s maximum weight capacity. Online stores that sell wall mounts usually display the full specs of their products. So see to it that you know the mount’s specs before buying.
Can a TV fall off the wall?
A TV can fall off the wall. It can happen if you don’t drill the wall mount properly. Or if the wall’s not sturdy enough. Your TV may also fall off if it’s heavier than the wall mount’s maximum weight capacity. In addition, a cheap wall mount that isn’t durable can also cause it to happen.
Let me tell you something.
I do have friends who are rather reluctant to mount their TV on a wall. And they all give me the same reason why.
They’re all worried about the TV falling off. Which is, in my opinion, a legitimate concern. TVs are relatively pricey investments, after all.
And it could be even worse if the TV actually lands on someone. Causing a terrible accident.
However, while concerns like those are valid…
There are things you can do to avoid those nightmare scenarios.
Allow me to discuss 5 things that you need to know before mounting a TV on a wall.
#1: Your TV’s actual weight
Before even starting to shop for wall mounts…
You must know how much your TV weighs.
Why?
Because not all wall mounts are created equal. Some are capable of holding more weight than others.
And buying a wall mount that couldn’t hold your TV’s weight will lead to disaster.
So how exactly can you find out how heavy your TV is?
The easiest way is to check your TV’s manual. It should indicate your TV model’s complete specs. Including its weight.
Now, if you can’t find your TV’s manual…
You may visit the manufacturer’s official website.
Just ensure that you know your TV’s exact model. You can find it on the TV’s back portion. That way, you can search for its weight on the website.
Of course, another simple method’s to weigh the TV yourself. Any regular weighing scale will do.
#2: Your TV mounting holes’ VESA size
“VESA size? What’s that?”
VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association.
It’s an organization that sets the standards for many TV and monitor specifications. Including the appropriate distance between mounting holes on TVs.
Fun fact: VESA was founded in July 1989 in California, USA. And as of 2022, it has a membership of over 300 companies. Including some of the best smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
So how would you know the VESA size of your TV’s mounting holes?
The fastest way is to measure the distance among the 4 holes.
Try to locate the mounting holes on the back of your TV. Then, measure the distance of the holes in millimeters. From left to right. And top to bottom.
So for example, the distance from the left hole to the right hole is 300 millimeters. And from top to bottom, it’s 200 millimeters.
Therefore, your TV mounting holes’ VESA size is 300 x 200.
After measuring, be sure to take note of it. And look for a wall mount that would match it.
If you’d like to see how to measure a TV’s VESA size correctly, check out this video:
#3: Your wall type
Another important thing to know before mounting a TV is your wall type.
What materials is it made of?
Brick? Plywood? Concrete?
And are these materials strong enough to hold a wall mount with a TV?
Also, if your wall is drywall, are its studs sturdy enough? I’m referring to the vertical pieces of metal or wood located behind drywall.
It’s important to know these things. With that, you can better decide on whether to mount your TV or not.
For this, you may consult with an expert home builder. They’re the best help that can assist you in knowing the details of your wall.
#4: The wall mount’s specifications
Do you already know your TV’s weight, its holes’ VERA size, and your wall type?
If you do, then it’s time to start looking for a wall mount.
And as I mentioned, it’s crucial to check the mount’s specifications.
First, know its maximum weight capacity. Ensure that there’s more than enough difference between that and your TV’s weight.
What I mean is…
Say, your TV weighs around 50 pounds.
If that’s the case, don’t look for a mount that can hold up to 50 pounds.
Instead, try to find one that can carry up to 60 or 70 pounds. Or even more.
That way, even if your TV’s weight measurement isn’t 100% accurate…
You’ll still feel confident that the mount can certainly hold your device.
Another spec to look for is the wall mount’s VESA size compatibility.
Ensure that it’s compatible with your TV. Otherwise, you may have problems trying to hook your TV up to the mount.
Furthermore, these are other wall mount specs that you’ll need to know:
- Weight.
- Material.
- Dimensions.
- Movement type (rotate, tilt, or swivel).
#5: Feedback from other users
Finally, another thing that can help you mount your TV with confidence is user feedback.
First, look for owners of the same TV model that you have. And ask around if they were able to mount their TV successfully.
Then find out how they did it. What particular wall mount brand do they use. And what type of walls they have.
By knowing those things, you’d be able to weigh your options better.
Now, where exactly can you find those user opinions?
Well, you may ask people you personally know. You may also visit groups or pages on social media related to your TV brand.
And you may check out sites like Reddit and Quora. The feedback sections of Amazon products are also extremely helpful.
Is it better to wall mount a TV or put it on a TV stand?
It’s hard to say exactly whether it’s better to wall mount a TV or put it on a stand. This question’s largely subjective. And will depend on many factors. Including the type and size of the TV that you have and your wall type. Also consider the amount of space that you have. Plus, your interior design preferences.
But to help you decide, I’ll instead give you 3 pros and 3 cons of wall-mounting a TV.
Pro: Can maximize your space
The biggest benefit of wall-mounting a TV is space maximization.
Because let’s face it. Most TV stands are rather bulky. And they take up a lot of space.
So mounting your TV on a wall will certainly free up more room for you to move around.
And you’ll also have more area for your other home furniture.
That’s why if you’re living in a condo or a small studio apartment…
You’d be much better off wall-mounting your TV.
Pro: Cheaper than buying a TV stand
Go ahead and try to look for standard TV stands. See how much they cost.
Most are selling for around $200 to $300. And some are even more expensive. Depending on the design and materials.
On the other hand, if you shop around for wall mounts…
You’d find high-quality ones for less than $50.
Examples include:
So you’d be able to save a significant amount by opting for a wall mount.
Pro: Less risk of the TV falling off
I understand some are concerned about their TV falling off a wall mount.
But in reality…
It’s actually much easier to knock over a TV when it’s on a stand. Especially when you consider how lightweight these devices are nowadays.
So your TV’s actually safer when you mount it. Provided, of course, that your wall’s strong enough to hold it.
Con: Wall mounting is difficult to do
Now, let’s go to the disadvantages of wall-mounting a TV.
One is that it’s relatively difficult to do.
Mounting a TV takes much more time and effort. Compared to just placing it on a stand.
You’ll need tools such as drills, tape measure, and screws.
It also requires proper drilling of holes in your wall. And needs accurate measurements so your TV’s perfectly centered.
You may even have to ask for assistance from a professional. Which will cost you some money.
More difficult to move the TV around
Most people enjoy rearranging home furniture from time to time.
Perhaps, one of these days, you may decide to move your TV to a different location.
Obviously, it’d be much easier to do if your TV’s only on a stand. All you’ll have to do is pick it up. And carry it.
Meanwhile, if it’s wall-mounted…
It takes much more effort. It’s not easy to remove a TV from a wall mount.
And it’s even more difficult to have to unscrew the mount from the wall. And re-screw it to another spot.
Con: Harder to connect external devices
Most modern TVs have their ports at the back portion.
And when you mount your TV on a wall, it’d be much harder to access these ports.
That means you’d have more difficulty plugging or unplugging external devices. So this is an inconvenience that’s worth considering.